Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that causes greasy, yellow or red scaling on hairy areas of the body, including the scalp or genitals. It can also appear in skin creases on the arms, legs, breasts and elsewhere. While it isn’t contagious and doesn’t affect your overall health, seborrhoeic dermatitis can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Dandruff is a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis. When it affects infants, it’s called cradle cap. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is often treated with hydrocortisone creams, dandruff shampoos and salicylic acid-containing treatments.

Dandruff

Dandruff is a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, which mostly affects the scalp. Dandruff can be mild to severe. The most common symptoms are white or gray flakes of skin on your scalp and in your hair. The flakes may also fall onto your shoulders. Your scalp may feel dry and itchy. Cold, dry winters can trigger dandruff. Stress may also make it worse.

Causes of seborrhoeic dermatitis

The cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis is not known. It is not caused by poor personal hygiene. Excessive sebum from the oil glands of the skin, especially on the scalp and face, is a key feature. Seborrhoeic dermatitis gives the skin a greasy look and feel and appears to be common in people with oily skin or hair, acne, or psoriasis.

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